Question
granger
I had a nice surprise today while going through some of my old gear that I've collected over the years. I came across this Granger fly rod and not knowing much about Granger I am having trouble identifying the model. The only marking is on the seat that says Goodwin Granger Co. and Denver underneath it. There are not any other marking anywhere else on it. The wrappings are green and it is a three section rod with extra tip section The rod is close to 9', and is in excellent condition - I do not believe it to have been refinished. The finish is near mint but it is apparent its been used by the appearance of the cork handle. The tip sections are not even - there is about 2 1/2" difference in the lengths. The short section does not appeasr to have been broken - the wrappings and the taper to tip match perfectly and the guide spacing is different on the two sections.... which leads me to another question if it was built purposely this way. Any informatio that you can provide as to age, model, value and to if it has been altered is greatly appreciated.
I have another question on another rod that I tried looking up a while back and drew blanks. I currently do not have it in front of me - I have had to place it in storage with some other items. If you think its something worth persuing to identify I will dig it out of storage. I beleive the rod could have been made maybe around 1885. There isn't any maker identification on it. It came stored in a round wood cylinder carved out and lined for each section
that was kept in a canvas bag. The guides are what makes this rod unusual. The guides are small rings that are held by u shaped wires with flanges and are wrapped to the rod like a normal guide that hinge the rings . The small rings act as the guides and are able to move forwards and backwards. I look at the design and do not see with the the way the guides operate -folding foward and back - how it could have been effecient. Sorry - I can not remember much about the wraps or the reel seat except I believe the reel was held with a sliding hoop. Again, any information provided is appreciated
Regards,
Dennis
AnswerDennis,
The rod tips are both broken. They should be the length of the other 2 sections. They were built to be the same length as mid and butt.
I would need to examine this rod in detail to come out with a specific era and model name. I am in Denver (Arvada) , you ? Barring that I need detail close up of decorative wraps and ferrules. There should be a model name or number on the rod or on the aluminum tube it came in. If you can try the library , Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair.
Price guide :Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.
Homel gives 4 nine foot rods. Models are Special , Champion , Denver Special and Premier , all 3 sections , 2 tips. He mentions several 9.5 foot rods.
Homel estimate
Condition Value
poor 65 to 75
good 145 to 170
excellent 275 to 325
Your rod is between good and poor , in fair condition because of the tips. Maybe $100- 120 . Check ebay , I just saw a similar rod go for 104.
History :http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2h7gi/fishnbanjossliceoflifeincyberspacecopy/id13.html
Granger was bought by Wright & McGill, history:
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2h7gi/fishnbanjossliceoflifeincyberspacecopy/id14.h...
Campbell (Classic & Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors & Anglers by A.J. Campbell) also has page or 2 on Granger.
Yes I would like to see your other rod. Lots of details and pictures. I have a friend who is collecting much older rods but I need to see it first.
Luck,
Mac
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